The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to make the arrangements to pay ex-gratia compensation to the families of those who lost their lives because of Covid-19.
A three-judge bench of the Apex Court headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed judgment on a petition seeking compensation for deaths due to the virus. In its judgement, the bench directed the National Disaster Management Authority to find out within 6 weeks ex-gratia amount that can be given to the family members of the deceased.
The Center has argued that compensation is not mandatory under the Disaster Act. But the court rejected the central government’s argument and clarified that under Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, compensation must be paid in full.
Responding to the remarks, the Center told the court that they did not have sufficient funds. The court, which refused the Centre’s contention, directed to decide how much compensation should be paid to the families of the deceased and make arrangements within 6 weeks. The bench also said that National Disaster Management Authority failed to discharge its functions by not recommending ex-gratia.